An Examination of Police Officers’ Perception of Identity Theft in South Korea

• In Event: Policing and Divergent Crimes: Piracy, Identity Theft, and Cybercrime

Abstract

Cybercrime has emerged as an important issue to be addressed in the information age. Rapid Globalization, in addition to the development computer networking and information technology has contributed a steep increase in the number of crimes committed in the cyberspace, using technology as a tool. Of various types of cyber offenses, identity theft is a serious crime that requires effective countermeasures. South Korea is one of the most wired nations in the world and has achieved an unparalleled growth in economy, computer networking, and information sectors. Although studies have been conducted on combating cybercrimes in other developed parts of the world, there is paucity of research in the context of South Korea. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine South Korean law enforcement officers' perceptions of identity theft and their agency’s ability to respond to the crime through a survey. Furthermore, officers’ views on the current response system for identity theft as well as the strategies for how to minimize victimization are investigated.

Authors

• Mahesh Nalla, Michigan State University

• Julak Lee, Kyonggi University

• Seung Yeop Paek, Michigan State University